An ulcer is an area of the stomach or duodenal (the first part of the small intestine) lining that becomes eroded by the stomach acid. Known individually as stomach and duodenal ulcers, collectively they are known as peptic ulcers. Learn about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and complications involved with peptic ulcers.
Whether you suspect you have a peptic ulcer or you are newly diagnosed, you will want to know the symptoms, the causes, and the treatment of peptic ulcers.
Learn what peptic ulcers are, who gets them, what causes them, the symptoms of peptic ulcers, how ulcers are diagnosed, how they are treated, the complications of ulcers, and how to live with a peptic ulcer.
The structure of peptice ulcers, why they happen, and what can be done to heal them.
Most peptic ulcers are caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). But some peptic ulcers are caused by prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
Many people think ulcers are an "adult disease." However, children can and do develop ulcers. It is important to learn the symptoms of childhood ulcers, how they are treated, and what the signs of an emergency situation are.
Some people who have peptic ulcers can eat whatever they want with no problems. For many others, however, eating certain foods can cause irritation, excessive acid production, and heartburn. For them, they need to know what foods are safe, and what foods to avoid. They need to know how to prepare foods to avoid ingredients that will cause a flare-up of their symptoms. If you are a ulcer patient and need to make some dietary changes, the following resources will get you started.
In some people, certain foods seem to aggravate their ulcer symptoms. For them, they need a diet designed to restrict or avoid those foods that may cause irritation, reduce excessive acid production, and prevent unpleasant side effects, such as heartburn.
It is important to learn the symptoms of a peptic ulcer in order to quickly receive needed diagnosis and treatment.
Warning signs that your peptic ulcer is getting worse.
An ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Ulcers in the stomach are called gastric or stomach ulcers, and those in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers, and both are usually referred to as peptic ulcers. Understanding the causes and symptoms of ulcers, and then getting a diagnosis and proper treatment, most people can find relief.
Understanding the causes of peptic ulcers, and then getting a diagnosis and proper treatment, most people can find relief.
Understanding the symptoms of peptic ulcers, and then getting a diagnosis and proper treatment, most people can find relief.
Learn what test are usually prescribed to diagnose peptic ulcers
If they receive proper treatment, most people can find relief from peptic ulcers.
Sometimes surgery is needed for peptic ulcers, when other treatments don't work. Find out the types of surgeries done on these ulcers.
Though rare, complications from peptic ulcers can occur. What are these?
A gastric ulcer is a break in the normal tissue lining the stomach.
A photo of a gastric ulcer taken during an upper GI series.
Illustration showing the areas where peptic ulcers can develop.
Illustration showing the causes and locations of different types of peptic ulcers.
Illustration showing stomach ulcers.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria. Researchers believe that H. pylori is responsible for the majority of peptic ulcers. What cause it? How is it diagnosed and treated?
